An axe head is attached to a handle in a manner that utilizes the inertia of the axe head to bear against a structure that resists separation of the axe head from the handle. In one example, that structure is a key that fits within the handle after the axe head is slid onto the handle, resisting passage of the axe head past the key. In another example, at least one end piece is joined to a narrowed, toothed section of the handle, forming an assembly with a friction fitted portion and an end portion with a diameter that exceeds the diameter of the hole in the axe head, retaining the axe head on the friction fitted portion of the handle assembly.